Located just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is a great destination for those looking to explore central Florida. Not only is the city close to the attractions and theme parks of Orlando, but it’s also minutes away from some of the best wilderness and natural escapes that Florida has to offer. With so much to do and see in this part of Florida, it can be difficult to determine what should be included on an itinerary to this fascinating city. To help you with this, we’ve compiled below our top ten recommendations for things to do in Kissimmee!

Check out the Alligators at Gatorland
For a truly classic Florida experience, head on over to Gatorland, the “alligator capital of the world,” and get up close and personal with reptiles both large and small! Located between Orlando and Kissimmee, Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, and even a few wild cats. Here you’ll have the opportunity to partake in several gator-themed activities that are sure to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping! Take a leap and zipline over alligator enclosures, go off-roading through the park, or become a trainer for a day – the choice is yours if you dare.

Take in the Views from a Hot Air Balloon
One of the best ways to take in the sights of Kissimmee and the surrounding area is to view it all from above! Climb aboard a hot air balloon and watch along as the landscape and scenery unfold below you. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or are just looking to watch the sunrise, a ride in one of Kissimmee’s hot air balloons is sure to never disappoint – not to mention, you’re bound to get some incredible photos from the sky!

Spend a Day at Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Kissimmee is the place to go if you’re looking for family fun and shopping! Spanning over 18 acres, this replica of an old-time Florida town offers everything from restaurants to bars, small boutique stores, live entertainment, and amusement rides, including its iconic ferris wheel. There are even weekly antique car shows and karaoke nights. With over 70 establishments to explore, there’s certainly plenty to do at this lively entertainment district.

Explore the Swamps on an Airboat
If you’d like to escape into nature and experience Florida’s true wilderness, then you’ll need to head into the swamps – and the best way to do that is with an airboat! Like much of Florida, Kissimmee is home to large areas of protected swamps and marshlands that are teeming with wildlife. As you navigate the narrow channels of these nature preserves, not only will you catch a glimpse of the beautiful landscapes they hold, but you also just might encounter some of their popular residents, which include alligators, turtles, and manatees.

Catch a Show at Osceola Heritage Park
Live concerts, boxing matches, rodeo shows, Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, and county fairs are just a few of the events that are known to take place at Osceola Heritage Park. Spanning a total of 200 acres, the park consists of the Silver Spurs Arena and the Osceola County Stadium, as well as an events center and an indoor/outdoor club. This means that no matter what time of the year you decide to visit Kissimmee, you’re sure to have your pick of fun and exciting events to attend!

Tee Up at One of Kissimmee’s Golf Courses
Central Florida is a mecca for golfers! With warm weather year-round, it’s possible to hit up the golf course every single day if you want to. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are a plethora of golf courses in and around the Kissimmee area. There are even golfing academies for those who are brand new to the game! Whether you’re in search of championship layouts or something more suited for beginners, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and more.

Get Lost in Nature at Shingle Creek Regional Park
Located just north of Lake Tohopekaliga lies Shingle Creek Regional Park, a protected waterway that feeds into the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and down into the Florida Everglades. Spanning over 1,000 acres of land, the park offers the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and its tourist attractions. While it’s possible to simply wander the park’s pathways, the best way to experience it is by water. There are several outfitters that offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as eco-tours.

Fly Vintage WWII Aircrafts
If you’ve ever wanted to fly a historic WWII airplane, your trip to Kissimmee is the time to do it! Located at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport is Stallion 51, a flight operations and training facility that offers the opportunity to fly inside of a P-51 Mustang aircraft. Used during WWII, the P-51 Mustang is a long-range fighter plane that the Americans and their allies flew. During your visit to Stallion 51, you’ll have the chance to not only serve as a passenger but also as pilot as you soar in the clouds above the city.

Go Fishing for Trophy Bass
The lakes surrounding Kissimmee, including Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, are known for offering excellent opportunities for fishing. While most people come in search of trophy bass, it’s also possible to catch catfish, crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, and sunfish. There are several fishing guides in the area that you can hire who will set you up with all the gear you need and take you out on their boats to the most promising locations. They also offer fishing lessons for those who have never been before.

Visit Orlando’s Theme Parks
Our list of things to do in Kissimmee wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include a visit to Orlando’s theme parks. Located just a few miles north of Kissimmee, you’ll find the state’s most popular attractions – that is Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. Whether you are looking to visit just one or all three of them, you are sure to have an incredible time at these world-renowned theme parks!

Final Thoughts
Now that you are well equipped with a list of things to do in Kissimmee, FL, you should have no trouble at all planning your own unforgettable vacation. Just be sure to book your hotel well in advance, as this popular city tends to book up quickly! If you’re in need of hotel suggestions, take a look at our top recommendations for the best places to stay in the Kissimmee area.